07/09/2001

Funeral held for teenage cyclist killed in North Belfast

The funeral of the teenage cyclist killed when his bicycle was struck buy a car was held on Friday.

The private funeral service for 16-year-old Thomas McDonald took place from his home in the White City area of Newtownabbey.

Hundreds of people lined the Whitewell Road as the cortege of mourners passed the spot where the youth was killed. Thomas’s mother broke down as the procession paused briefly alongside the flowers left in tribute to the 16-year-old killed near the community flashpoint area.

Earlier, North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds visited the family’s home to express his condolences.

The teenager died from serious head injuries on Tuesday when he was knocked off bicycle by a car as he rode along the Whitewell Road.

Police have charged a 32-year-old woman with his murder. Two other people have been charged with intent to pervert the course of justice in relation to the incident. (SP)

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